Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 18:

In page 7, after line 36, to insert the following:

“Private residential tenancies register: publication of certain details

7.Section 128 of the Principal Act is amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (4):

“(4) The published register—

(a) shall not contain any information, as respects a particular dwelling, that discloses or could reasonably lead to the disclosure of the identity of the landlord or the tenant of the dwelling,

(b) shall disclose, as respects every dwelling—

(i) the number and duration of any previous tenancies in respect of the dwelling,

(ii) the date and duration of any works of refurbishment or renovation that were the subject of a notice under paragraph 5 of the Table to section 34,

(iii) the date and duration of any works causing a substantial change in the nature of the accommodation provided under the tenancy in relation to which the landlord sought to rely upon section 34(5), and

(iv) the amount of the rent payable under the current tenancy and any previous tenancies of the dwelling.”.”.

This is an attempt to form a register to protect renters. We have all heard stories about people saying they could have told us what the previous rent was or that some work needed to be done on an apartment or house before people moved in. I have heard stories on a daily basis over the years, and I am sure the Minister of State has heard them as well. What we are trying to do here is to create a register whereby any works carried out and the costs would be available to the renter before they move into an apartment or a house. I have heard of cases where people have come to renters after the event to say that a house needed work or the work was not completed on a house. This is about protecting renters. It is something we believe should be inserted into the Bill. I look forward to hear what the Minister of State will say in reply.